FORMER Tranmere midfielder Michael Black has warned his old team- mates to expect an onslaught at Roots Hall tonight.

FORMER Tranmere midfielder Michael Black has warned his old team- mates to expect an onslaught at Roots Hall tonight.

The 25-year-old wide man has played for both clubs in the last 12 months and is well placed to assess the chances of Dave Watson's side against the third division outfit.

"If Tranmere can avoid conceding a goal in the opening 20 minutes they will win," revealed Black.

"Tranmere have more quality than Southend, but if they fall a goal behind they will struggle because there is a lot of experience in the Southend defence. I think they would struggle to break them down if Southend had a lead to defend.

"The home side are bound to go for the jugular in the opening 20 minutes, but they will need to because the longer they go without a goal the less chance they will have of an upset.

"Rovers need to be focused from the start. If not they could be caught napping, which is the only way I can see them losing the tie."

The former Arsenal player has endured a torrid time since leaving Highbury for Prenton Park on a free transfer in 1999.

Black made just 26 appearances for Rovers in his 18 months on the Wirral before moving on a free transfer to the third division club 10 months ago.

A virtual ever-present in the Southend side for the last three months of last season, making 23 appearances, he chose to leave Roots Hall in the summer after failing to agree terms over a more permanent deal.

A switch to Chesterfield fell through and he was unable to accept a trial at QPR because a knee ligament problem which has dogged him on and off for three years flared up again.

Currently without a club because of the persistent knee problem, the right-sided midfielder intends to be in the crowd at Roots Hall to watch two of his former sides fighting for a place in the fourth round.

"It will definitely be a battle," he added. "There are some tough players in the heart of midfield for Southend. They are a good bunch of lads and they work hard. Mickey Mellon and Nick Henry will have their work cut out.

"But I think the difference will be Jason Koumas. He is a great player and from what I have heard from the lads at Tranmere his attitude has been superb this season despite all the attention he has been getting.

"He has kept playing his own game and so it is no surprise there are plenty of clubs looking at him. He can add the quality to what will be a fierce cup tie.

"I remember Kevin Sheedy saying last season that Jason can become as good as he wants to be.

"I am looking forward to the match. I still go up to Liverpool on a regular basis to see some of the lads."

As for his own future in the game, Black is hopeful of making a return in the spring.

"The PFA are going to help me with my latest injury. I have another knee operation coming up which should clear it all up. I will be fit to play again six weeks after that so I can start looking for another club at Easter.

"Realistically, though, I think next season will be my real target. I have been working hard to keep in shape but it is difficult when you have a knee injury.

"I am still only 25 and I still have something to offer."

* Ian Sharps has signed an extension to his contract. The 21-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a new two-and-a-half-year deal which ties him to Tranmere until 2004.

The centre-back has played 14 games for Rovers this season after finally breaking into the first team picture three years after making his debut against Sunderland in 1998.

Manager Dave Watson said: "I'm absolutely delighted. He's a young lad who is coming on really well and he is a great prospect for the club."